The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
November 8, 2009
In
This Issue:
The
Reality of Hell
by
Gene Taylor
Why
Haven't You Obeyed the Truth?
Carrol
Sutton
The Reality of Hell
In Matthew 25:31-46 the Bible teaches that at the final judgment while the righteous will enter heaven to enjoy everlasting life, the wicked will go into eternal punishment. The thought of everlasting suffering is repulsive to many. No doubt this aversion lies at the bottom of much of the indifference to what the Bible teaches about hell.
Hell, despite the denials of many, is real. Sin demands it. Sin is a violation of the law of God (1 John 3:4). If there were no punishment for sin, then there could be no law for law without penalty is null and void. If there is no law, there would be no sin. That would make the death of Jesus useless because if there is no sin there is no responsibility to save anyone from it.
The reality of life after death also demands the reality of hell. Jesus taught, in Matthew 22:23-33, that there was life after physical death. In the account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, two distinct destinies are presented comfort for the righteous but punishment for the wicked depending on whether or not one serves God while living on earth.
Hell was not originally prepared for man. It was prepared for Satan and his angels (Matt. 25:41). Jude 6 states that fallen angels are placed in chains awaiting judgment. Yet, when men and women join the devil in his work and live in servitude to him, they must suffer the same fate that will befall him.
Hell Is Not Contrary To The Nature of God
Many people find it difficult to accept the reality of
hell because they cannot understand or believe that a loving,
merciful and forgiving God could create such a place and then place
people in it eternally. If no punishment were given for violation of
His law, then God would not be just. Being a just God, He will reward
the righteous and punish the wicked. Hell is to punish the wicked.
What Hell Is Like
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Hell is eternal. It is described that way in Matthew 25:46. In Romans 16:26 God is said to be eternal. The Holy Spirit, in Hebrews 9:14, is also described as eternal. The same Greek word is used in all three passages. The word means "eternal, everlasting, without end, never to cease." Hell and the punishment meted out there will last as long as God forever.
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Hell is a place of darkness. Jude 13 speaks of "the blackness of darkness" to which false teachers will be confined forever. God is light (1 John 1:5) and the Father of lights (Jas. 1; 17). Hell is described as darkness because it is the place farthest removed from God.
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Hell is a place of fire. Matthew 13:42 speaks of it as a furnace of fire. Matthew 25:41 calls it an everlasting fire. Mark 9:44-45 says the fire is never quenched. Revelation 21:8 refers to it as the lake of fire. There will be no relief from its fires because Revelation 14:11 says the smoke from the fires of torment ascends forever and ever.
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There is no rest there. Revelation 14:11 says the wicked will have no rest from their torment day or night. Hell is a place where there is no hope. The punishment is everlasting (Matt. 25:46) with no chance of pardon or parole.
Who Will Go There
As already noted, Satan and his angels will be
there (Matt. 25:41). Revelation 21:8 says the "cowardly,
unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers,
idolaters, and all liars" will be there. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
says that those who do not know God and those who will not obey the
gospel of Christ will be punished with everlasting destruction. In
short, all sinners who choose to remain in their sin will be found in hell.
Why People Will Go There
People will not be in hell because God wants
them to be there. He desires that all be saved (1 Tim. 2:1-4). They
will not be there because God cannot save them. God is all-powerful
and the gospel, His power to save (Rom. 1:16), can save to the
uttermost. God sent His Son into the world so that all might have
salvation (John 3:16) and He has extended His invitation to all who
would come to Him (Matt. 11:28-30). If a person ends up in hell, he
is lost by his own free choice. He has no one to blame but himself.
Many see no need to be interested in spiritual things and are
indifferent to the pleas of the gospel. Others refuse to obey the
gospel or submit to the will of God. Some refuse to believe. Others
just love sin more than righteousness. Some, though once obedient,
become unfaithful in service. Many put off obeying until it is too late.
Hell is real. The suffering of it is waiting for the sinful. You can escape the torments found there by giving obedience to Christ now. He will wash away the guilt of your sins and grant you hope of a life of eternal bliss in His presence.
-- Gene Taylor
If you are one of the thousands of people in this country who have not obeyed the truth of God, please examine your heart and search your soul to see if you can determine why you haven't. Is it because:
You don't know the Truth?
If this is the reason you haven't obeyed the truth, let me assure you that you can know the truth if you are willing to give diligence (study). The truth will make you free (John 8:32). Timothy was encouraged to study so he could rightly divide God's truth (2 Timothy 2:15). (See also Ephesians 5:17; John 5:39; 17:17; Acts 17:11-12). Christians would be willing to come into your home and study God's Word with you. May they?
You don't believe the Truth?
If you know the truth and don't believe it, you have a serious problem. The only way you can receive faith is by hearing the Word of Cod. (See Romans 10:17). Only you can be-lieve for you. You will make up your mind to believe or not to believe. It is a matter of choice. But in order for you to have eternal life, you must believe!
You don't love the Truth?
If this is your problem, you have a very serious one. You had better change your heart (mind) or you will be lost forever! Many will perish (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). You may be among those described in this passage! Are you?
You don't want to be happy here?
Surely, you desire a life of happiness here on earth. The only way you can have genuine happiness is by obeying the truth. Please read and study 1 Peter 3:-lO-li; Luke 11:28; John 13:17; Psalms 1:1-6; Psalms 23; and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
You don't want to go to heaven?
Surely you desire to go to Heaven, don't you? But your going to heaven is conditioned upon your obedience to the truth. (Revelation 22:14). If you haven't obeyed the truth, WHY HAVEN'T YOU?
Carrol Sutton
Via Walking in the Light, Vol. 3, No. 36, September 6, 2009